Monthly PSC Report For March 2013

The following tables summarize some findings from the PSC inspections conducted in the main PSC MoU areas (Black Sea MoU, Mediterranean MoU, Indian Ocean MoU, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU) during last month. Data have been also gathered from various Coast Guard agencies and are presented in each month’s report. Data from other PSC MoUs (Vina del Mar, Abuja MoU, Riyadh MoU) could not be extracted at the time this report has been issued and therefore were not included.

PSC MoUs

Black Sea

Mediterranean

Indian

Paris

Tokyo

Total Inspections

567

458

406

1464

3346

With Deficiencies

439

275

224

1095

2319

Without Deficiencies

128

183

182

369

1027

Detentions

23

33

22

59

134

Total Inspections per Type of Vessel in the Main PSC MoU Areas

PSC MoUs

Black Sea

Mediterranean

Indian

Paris

Tokyo

Bulk Carrier

119

117

213

273

1085

General Cargo Ship

290

199

52

507

878

Chemical Tanker

31

2

20

99

222

Oil Tanker

64

13

27

102

208

Container Ship

21

47

40

161

514

Inspections Ended with Deficiencies per Type of Vessel in the Main PSC MoU Areas

PSC MoUs

Black Sea

Mediterranean

Indian

Paris

Tokyo

Bulk Carrier

83

55

118

193

672

General Cargo Ship

250

155

38

424

753

Chemical Tanker

23

1

12

78

141

Oil Tanker

33

3

12

53

131

Container Ship

18

17

14

111

322

Brief Analysis of the Vessels’ Detentions in the Main MoU Areas

Regarding the number of detentions per type of vessel (5 types of vessels have been chosen for the analysis below) the following data have been extracted from the Black Sea MoU, Mediterranean MoU, Indian Ocean MoU, Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU.

The Chief Officer and Second Engineer could not produce an appropriate Flag State certificate (license), a valid dispensation, or provide a national license for which an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration.

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Liberia

Classification Society: American Bureau of Shipping

Summary of deficiencies:

Vessels crew was unable to successfully conduct a proper fire drill after three attempts. Crew members consistently approached the simulated fire without wearing proper firefighting clothing and equipment.

Vessels emergency fire pump was found to be not ready for operation. Crew had to prime pump prior to being able to demonstrate operation.

Electrical installations shall be such that the safety of crew and ship from electrical hazards will be ensured. Vessel’s #2 main engine air compressor was disassembled. Compressor fed off of 480V electrical panel. Disconnected wires were left hanging at mid body height. The compressor was not electrically or pneumatically isolated, nor were any valves or electrical devices tagged out.

Upon boarding the vessel, Coast Guard personnel suspected the Master to be operating the vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Coast Guard personnel administered two field sobriety test conducted two minutes apart indicating the Master had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.28 percent and 0.27 percent (legal limit .04). The Coast Guard determined the Master to be intoxicated and unfit for duty to perform essential shipboard procedures as it pertains to the Masters Position and responsibilities. Based on the Masters intoxicated state, the Coast Guard does not consider the vessel to be sufficiently and efficiently manned in accordance with the Safe Manning Document. Prior to movement, the vessel shall be provided with a certificated Master to the satisfaction of the Administration.

VESSEL #5

Vessel Type: Containership

Flag: Panama

Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Summary of deficiencies:

The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the present Convention to ensure the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without presenting unreasonable threat or harm to the marine environment. During the operational test of the OWS, the PSCO observed modifications to OWS which were not reflected on the presented and approved drawing. The PSCO discovered the second stage filtration equipment for the OWS is not operational and is not logged as inoperable in the oil record book Part I. In addition, this system was isolated and removed from service as it pertains to the OWS.

The oil record book part one shall be completed on each occasion when discharge of dirty ballast or cleaning water from oil fuel tanks. Quantity logged in heavy fuel oil settling tank is more than the reported tank capacity indicated on the vessel’s IOPP form B. Quantity discharge and time of discharge through PPM equipment doesn’t coincide with through put on IOPP form B.

The vessel is not segregating their garbage in accordance with their garbage management plan. Vessel is performing incineration of onboard garbage without properly logging. Vessel presented the latest garbage discharge receipt to the PSCO, which was determined to be altered.

Vessel is conducting major repairs and alterations of the engineering and lifesaving equipment without ensuring that the company is notified and that the ship is maintained in conformity with provisions of the relevant rules and regulations. An external audit is recommended.

VESSEL #6

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Malta

Classification Society: Bureau Veritas

Summary of deficiencies:

The Coast Guard Boarding Officer met with the Master to discuss the purpose of the visit. Upon meeting the Master, the Boarding Officer (BO) immediately detected an alcohol odor from the Master. This coupled with the Masters general behavior and mannerisms, the BO suspected the Master to be intoxicated. An alcohol test (Breathalyzer) was performed by the Coast Guard, which indicated a blood alcohol content of .27 (legal limit .04). The Boarding Officer determined the Master to be intoxicated and unfit for duty to perform essential shipboard procedures as it pertains to the Masters Position and responsibilities. Based on the Masters intoxicated state, the Coast Guard does not consider the vessel to be sufficiently and efficiently manned in accordance with the Safe Manning Document. Additionally, the Master was taken into custody and removed from the vessel for potential violation of U.S. Domestic Law; operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Prior to movement, the vessel shall be provided with a certificated Master to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Starboard lifeboat was not ready for immediate use. During an operational test of the starboard lifeboat, the crew was unable to start the lifeboat. Lifeboat was repaired by the crew and started after approximately 13 minutes, however the repairs completed (clogged fuel line) required crew members in addition to the assigned lifeboat crew and tools/supplies not readily available. Repairs were considered to be beyond minor repairs.

VESSEL #7

Vessel Type: General Dry Cargo Ship

Flag: Antigua and Barbuda

Classification Society: N/A

Summary of deficiencies:

Every ship shall be provided with an appropriate minimum safe manning document issued by the Administration as evidence of the minimum safe manning considered necessary. The vessel is required to sail with a licensed Chief Mate. Vessel has been sailing with a licensed Second Mate in the position of Chief Mate since January 2012.

All seafarers serving onboard who are required to be certificated in accordance with the convention must hold an appropriate certificate of valid dispensation, or provide documentary proof that an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration. Deck officer does not have either a valid endorsement or receipt of application for endorsement.

VESSEL #8

Vessel Type: Ro-Ro-Cargo Ship

Flag: Panama

Classification Society: International Maritime Bureau Inc.

Summary of deficiencies:

The port side generator high pressure fuel line in way of the high pressure fuel pump is severely leaking fuel creating a significant fire hazard.

The port side lifeboat is required to have two independent means of propulsion. This lifeboat is not motorized and is outfitted with oars and a sailing mast, however the crew was not able to produce the sails.

Failure of proper operation of the Oily Water Separator (OWS): During an operational test of the OWS by the ship’s crew, the PSCO observed the system malfunction; systems were not able to cycle through start-up mode and enter into the operational mode.

VESSEL #9

Vessel Type: Ro-Ro-Cargo Ship

Flag: Panama

Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale

Summary of deficiencies:

In machinery spaces, means of escape shall be formed by steel ladder leading to doors in the casing from which access is provided to the embarkation deck. Of five means of escape in the engine room, four were unable to be opened from the machinery space alone; three were seized due to lack of maintenance, and one was locked from the outside. The one working means of escape was locked from the inside and required crewmember to carry a key whenever in the space, but several engineers did not have the key with them, when asked.

VESSEL #10

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Panama

Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Summary of deficiencies:

PSCO observed the valve for the M/E cylinder oil lube tank is not capable of being closed from a safe position outside the space in the event of a fire. The installed remote shutoff mechanism for the valve was blocked in the open position utilizing two bolts.

Objective evidence discovered in an expanded ISM examination revealed that the company/vessel failed to fully implement the requirements of the Safety Management System. The PSCO discovered: safety devices intentionally disabled (LO quick closing valve blocked open with two bolts); garbage book entries were not in accordance with garbage plan regarding #4 cargo residues; weekly inspection checklists discovered filled out, signed and approved for the complete month of March, in advance of the inspection dates (Mar 24/31) regarding EEBD’s, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; Engineering officers were not familiar with testing of emergency ships steering regarding change over procedures from the bridge to local control. SMS does not adequately address the maintenance or inspection scheduling of the FFA, LSA and safety devices. An external audit is recommended.

VESSEL #11

Vessel Type: General Dry Cargo Ship

Flag: Antigua and Barbuda

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd

Summary of deficiencies:

Failure of proper operation of the Oily Water Separator (OWS): During an operational test of the OWS by the ships crew, the PSCO observed the following system malfunctions; crew was not able to draw suction from the bilge tank and the systems alarm continuously indicated a bilge separator failure. The OWS was not able to enter into an operational mode.

Excessive fuel oil leaks were observed from the main engine cylinder heads and large amounts of oil was observed leaking from the turbo charger, creating a significant fire hazard and potential for adversely impacting main propulsion.

VESSEL #12

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Liberia

Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register of Shipping

Summary of deficiencies:

All lifesaving appliances shall be ready for immediate use. Both lifeboats are missing equipment including mast stays, canopy support rods & equipment to use heavy weather oil. The crutches on each lifeboat aren’t properly secured. The grab lines from gunwale to gunwale on each lifeboat are worn. Both lifeboats did not have adequate food rations. Food rations that were on board were not airtight or sealed. Release handles on both lifeboats must be painted in contrasting color. Additionally the starboard rescue boat had a hole in the air chamber allowing for water ingress, the wooden deck is rotted, the engine cover is not secured and the bowsing tackle is cracked.

All the above deficiencies are objective evidence that the vessel Safety management system has failed.

Additional audit not later than three months (29/06/2013) as per RO audit report of 29/03/2013.

VESSEL #16

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Malta

Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

MF/HF radio – defective

Flag state dispensation to be complied with

MCA Vessels’ Detention Information

VESSEL #1

Vessel Type: Multi Purpose

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd

Summary of deficiencies:

Several fire related deficiencies were identified including fire doors having open penetration along with other doors not closing and latching; the engine room to main deck escape hatch can not be opened; the foam branch cable was tied in place and the emergency pump pressure gauge was not fixed in place.

The rescue boat was attached to the wrong hook.

The 10 CM radar was inoperative.

The oil water inlet pipe was leaking and water was found in the CO2 room.

Insulation was missing in the emergency generator room and electrical locker; floor plates were not secured in the engine room and bow thrusters along with several other spaces.

The continuous synopsis record, radio log (diary) and training manuals were found not as expected.

VESSEL #2

Vessel Type: Other Cargo Ship

Flag: Cook Islands

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd

Summary of deficiencies:

Several life saving appliance related deficiencies were identified including the operational readiness as during the abandon ship drill securing ropes and covers needed to cut away.

Not satisfactory standard training on operation of life saving equipment.

During the fire drill the CABA was not correctly rigged and there was a lack of ability to effectively deal with an emergency.

The lifebuoy light portside was not working.

Several fire dampers were not closing correctly.

The moveable aft hold bulkhead were not properly secured and 2 INMARSAT transceivers did not complete satisfactory test.

The gangway net was missing along with the pilot ladder was broken and draught marks forward were not readable.

The sewage system pipework in the engine room had a temporary repair and the sewage holding tank vented directly into the engine room.

The voyage passage plans and records of rest were found not as expected.

Food storage areas were dirty and the freezers needed cleaning and de-frosting. However the food was allowed to thaw whilst cleaning was carried out and then the food was re-frozen. There was also a security related defect.

VESSEL #3

Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier

Flag: Marshall Islands

Classification Society: NKK

Summary of deficiencies:

The ISM deficiencies included several life fire fighting related deficiencies as numerous internal fire doors not closing properly; unable to open the fire hose box and one fire hose was leaking.

Breathing apparatus sets had empty bottles along with one set having a low alarm inoperative, one set an air leak and EEBD set was undercharged.

During the fire drill crew entered fire with empty bottles and the hose was too short.

The crew lacked familiarity when operating GMDSS equipment.

There was a lack of cleanliness in the galley and nautical publications had not been updated.

Sounding pipes on the main deck and engine room springs were seized.

The ventilator was holed in the foscle; hydraulic controls were leaking on to the main deck and flanges on aux engine turbo chargers were exposed.

The hot water pipes in the staff accommodation needed insulating along with the shower mixes being put in working order.

The voyage data recorder was unable to be switched on and the long range identification and tracking system was inoperative.

The vessels International Anti-fouling- System certificate, oil record book SOLAS number one poster and records of rest were incomplete.

VESSEL #4

Vessel Type: Multi Purpose General

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd

Summary of deficiencies:

A lack of familiarity and training regarding the bridge operation along with the voyage passage plan not be as required.

Navigation records were not kept up to date and the manning specified by the minimum safe manning document were not as required.

Nine deficiencies were marked as ISM, which demonstrate there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.

Vessel was damaged after grounding incident including damages to the hull and ballast tank . The propeller and rudders were also damaged.

The magnetic compass was not readable from conning position. The TV in the wheelhouse is to be removed. Records of rest and cargo ship safety equipment certificate were not found as expected.

VESSEL #5

Vessel Type: Multi Purpose

Flag: Belize

Classification Society: INSB

Summary of deficiencies:

The fire fighting equipment was inoperative as the fire main was corroded through.

Eight deficiencies were marked as ISM, which demonstrate there was objective evidence of a serious failure, or lack of effectiveness of the implementation of the ISM Code.

There was no safe means of access.

Securing devices were either missing or seized.

The galley fridge was not working.

The arrival and departures charts, the oil record book, the international anti-fouling system certificate and the ship sanitation certificate were not as required.

VESSEL #6

Vessel Type: N/A

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda

Classification Society: Lloyd’s Register

Summary of deficiencies:

There were a large number of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) related deficiencies which were objective evidence of a serious failure or lack of effectiveness of implementation of the ISM code on board the vessel.

The main engine was defective; also the engine room was very oily in some areas.

The five year service on the immersion suit in the engine room had expired.

There was no evidence that the freefall lifeboat had been manoeuvred in the water within the last 3 months also there was no evidence that the freefall lifeboat had been freefall launched within the last 6 months.

The deck officer was not familiar with launching the starboard life raft by davit.

VESSEL #7

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship

Flag: Panama

Classification Society: RMRS

Summary of deficiencies:

The engine room was very dirty, there were fuel oil leaks and a major non conformity was identified with respect to the lack of maintenance of the ship and equipment.

The crew/officers records of rest were not signed.

The crew accommodation was no longer provided with steam heating.

The galley needed cleaning.

There was insufficient fruit and vegetables on board.

The crew showers and toilets were dirty and the shower curtains missing and the laundry washing facilities were inadequate.

The lifejacket lights were out of date.

The aft deck was slippery underneath the deck generator and several fire doors were tied open.

VESSEL #8

Vessel Type: General Cargo Ship

Flag: Unregistered

Classification Society: Unclassed

Summary of deficiencies:

The main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space.

There were insufficient liferafts, the sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room.

There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.

Insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date.

The following were missing: distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon) (EPIRB); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle.

The following information have been gathered mainly from PSC MoUs websites as well as from various Coast Guard Authorities and may serve only as reference for the inspections being carried out each month onboard merchant vessels. The consistency of the information may differ between MoU since there are slight differences on the way each organization presents the inspection info as well as due to the fact that some countries are member in more than one PSC MoU. For more information on the inspections carried out please refer to each organization’s website.